News & Events

Hit me with both barrels

Brewpubs and taprooms all over the United States are gearing up for the warmer months of the year as Spring roars in. Changing out their taps and prepping with some new brews, they are well-prepared for the craft beer frenzy that will commence later in the season when folks start to feel those summer jitters hit them and start bellying up to their favorite bar for a great craft brew. The craft brewing industry has seen a wide variety of brews and craft breweries come and go in the past few years, but one thing is certain, there is no slowdown in the industry and it’s growing faster than ever before.

Communities have learned to love their new craft breweries

New craft breweries make a big splash in any community. Whether they offer lagers or ales, Belgian whites or rye beer, people can’t help but let their curiosity draw them into the taproom for a taste. One of the most popular brew styles of the past has been the barrel aged craft beer that folks have come to know and love. Brews like Backwoods Bastard from Founders Brewing Company and others have taken over folks taste buds and they lament those months when the delightful bourbon barrel aged brews are not available.

Today we’re taking a look at the barrel aged brews we’ve come across in our travels. If you happen to have any others that you know of, please leave a comment about them down below, as we’ll add them to our next barrel aged feature post and we’d love to hear your thoughts. For now, here are a few of the great barrel aged brews we’ve experienced over time and what we thought of them.

Deschutes The Abyss was an outstanding barrel aged brew that we came across during a visit to their facility. This Russian Imperial Stout was the first RIS we had ever had a chance to try and we’re certainly happy that we did. We did have to keep an eye on that 11.1% ABV, as we were warned that the brew hides its ABV really well (which it does btw) and we took home a few bottles to enjoy later as well.

Founders Brewing Company’s Backwoods Bastard was one of our favorite barrel aged brews in our travels and still remains so. The burn of the brew is pure perfection and we really love the artwork that Founders commissions for their labels as well. Weighing in at 11.2% ABV, this brew is one that you can enjoy throughout the night without buying more than two.

There is truly something to be said for well-crafted brews that you can enjoy with friends, talk about over a tulip glass, and want to collect, not only for the artwork but also for the memories. Barrel-aged brews have given the craft brewing industry a wealth of memories that go far beyond the brewery, making them some of our favorite brews overall.

What are some great barrel-aged brews that you’ve tried?

We’d love to hear from our readers about the many barrel-aged craft beer they have tried. Leave us a comment about the best brew you’ve tried and what you thought of it. Meanwhile, we’ll be working hard here in West Palm Beach, Florida, because our opening is coming up faster every day and we can’t wait to see all of you there!